Kilmarnock came from behind to win for the second successive week as they beat Motherwell 3-1 to move up to third in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
It was a classy display from the hosts as goals from Chris Burke, Greg Stewart and Eamonn Brophy fired Steve Clarke’s men to a third victory in four matches.
Curtis Main netted the visitors’ only reply and also missed a penalty as Stephen Robinson’s side suffered a fourth straight defeat.
The Motherwell manager must have wondered how his side went into the break behind as they were quick and combative but still somehow came up short.
The Steelmen took the lead on the 20-minute mark when Main was sent racing clear of the Killie defence following a Ryan Bowman flick on.
The Englishman looked assured as he took one touch and fired the ball beyond Jamie MacDonald for his first league goal of the season.
Robinson’s side were soon given a golden opportunity to double their advantage when Stephen O’Donnell fouled Aaron Taylor-Sinclair inside the box.
It was a clumsy, awkward-looking challenge from the Scotland international and referee Don Robertson had no hesitation pointing to the spot, but Main’s penalty was weak and it was easily saved by MacDonald in what proved to be a real turning point.
The hosts, and their vocal support, were galvanised by MacDonald’s stop. They had a new lease of life and soon levelled matters.
Stewart broke forward into space and released Jordan Jones. The winger’s shot was well saved by Trevor Carson but, unfortunately for the Steelmen, Burke was on hand to tap into an empty net for his second goal in as many games.
Killie were rampant and took the lead right on the stroke of half-time.
The Motherwell defence seemed to go missing as Brophy broke forward. He played in Stewart and the former Dundee man simply curled an effort beyond the despairing Carson.
The half-time whistle did not seem to stall any of the host’s momentum either and they soon added a third courtesy of another penalty kick award.
It was Liam Donnelly who was clumsy on this occasion as he fouled Stewart for another simple award.
The execution of the spot-kick was simple enough too, as Brophy sent Carson the wrong way to give the Ayrshire club a two-goal cushion and three points.
